NEPAL’S “wonderful connection” with Northern Ireland has been further enhanced with the appointment of a goodwill ambassador for the Himalayan country, according to a Stormont minister.
Edwin Poots made the comment at a recent event designed to promote tourism in Nepal.
Ulster mountaineer Hannah Shields said she felt “honoured and privileged” to take up the role of goodwill ambassador.
Speaking at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast, the outgoing environment minister emphasised the historical links between the UK and Nepal through the Gurkha Rifles, who have fought with the British army in many historic conflicts.
“We have a wonderful connection with the people of Nepal through the Gurkhas,” he said.
“These are people that are highly respected in the British army and honoured for their bravery, courage and loyalty.
“And as a community we have great respect for the people of Nepal and those people have brought great credit to your country.”
The DUP man added that while Northern Ireland had a its own picturesque mountain ranges such as the Mournes and the Sperrins, “the opportunity to visit Nepal and see the vastness of the Himalayas would be absolutely exciting”.
During the event, the Nepalese ambassador to the UK, Dr Suresh Chalishe, named Ms Shields – the first woman from Northern Ireland to climb Mount Everest – as a goodwill ambassador for Nepal.
Ms Shields, a dentist from Co Londonderry who scaled the world’s highest peak in May 2007, said: “Climbing Everest was a dream that I had years and years ago but I always thought that it would only be for superhuman people. I’m a very ordinary person from Kilrea. I work very hard and I still train very hard to achieve my goals and one of them was to climb up Mount Everest – and I feel very privileged that I’ve achieved it.”
Ms Shields told the audience why she felt Nepal was such a must-see destination.
“It’s an absolutely beguiling place, once you get up into the high mountains, to think you’re actually walking at the level planes fly.
“The sense of serenity is awe-inspiring, I’m at peace when I’m there and that’s why I go back to the mountains again and again.
“I’ve also always enjoyed the hospitality of the Nepalese people, the friendship and the spirituality of the place.”
Dr Chalishe said he had high hopes for tourism in Nepal this year.
“Nepal is one of the most special tourist areas in the world. We hope to attract at least 1 million visitors this year to see it’s scenic high mountains, cultural hospitality, and the birthplace of Lord Buddha.”
For more information, visit www.nepalvisit2011.org
